Bernard Edwards’ life was cut short at the age of 43 back in 1996, only hours after playing a concert with Chic in Tokyo, Japan. And it’s strange what you will do to avoid reality for a while. Nile Rodgers also told Edwards they could cancel, but Edward wanted to play. “…without asking, he wrote down ‘1:33,'” Rodgers said.Bernard Edwards’ life was cut short at the age of 43 back in 1996, only hours after playing a concert with Chic in Tokyo, Japan.Rodgers initially said he couldn’t imagine Chic continuing without Edwards, but eventually took the band back out on the road. The distinctive bass of Edwards was at the centre of a truly classic groove, later plagiarised by the Sugarhill Gang in "Rapper's Delight" (the early rap hit for which Chic were eventually credited as co-writers) and by Queen in "Another One Bites the Dust". Along with the powerhouse drummer Tony Thompson, the pair soon became regulars on the soul circuit, forming the Big Apple Band and backing the fine outfit New York City ("I'm Doing Fine Now") on the road.The years 1979 and 1980 were major ones for Rodgers and Edwards, who revived the career of Philadelphia's Sister Sledge, writing and producing "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family", an irresistible tune which, over the years, has been rereleased, remixed and become a gay anthem (it's currently featured in Mike Nichols's remake of The Birdcage, featuring Robin Williams and Gene Hackman).Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. In 1970 he met the guitarist Nile Rodgers, a New Yorker who'd been a member of Harlem's famous Apollo Theatre house band. With his trademark funky rhythms and supple bass lines, Edwards, the bass-player with Chic, proved the exception to the rule. After being named JT Superproducer of the Year, Nile Rodgers and Chic were invited to play the iconic Budokan arena in Tokyo. And I lost it completely.”The next morning, Rodgers attempted to get into Edwards’ room, but received no answer. I touched his cheek and it was the same temperature as the coffee table, and I just broke down.”“I opened the door and he was lying on the couch. Gimme a break!’Rodgers often points out words spoken by Bernard on the last night of his life, “The music is bigger than we are.”The medical examiner estimated the time of death at 1am, and Rodgers told him it was 1:33am – the moment he woke up. The legendary former Supremes singer didn't always see eye to eye with Rodgers and Edwards, and had her vocals brought up in the final mix without their approval. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates.Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate?However, by now Rodgers and Edwards were spreading themselves too thin and Chic's records ("Real People", "Hangin' ", 1983) were reaching lower chart placings than before. The group were on a roll and, following the success of the mellower "I Want Your Love", they unleashed a monster disco record, "Good Times". Chic returned to Japan a year after Edwards’ death to celebrate Bernard’s life. On the final night of their engagement, Bernard Edwards began experiencing a high fever only hours before they were set to hit the stage, and doctors suggested that the show be canceled. 7.9. After a name and a musical change, from the unlikely Allah & the Knife-Wielding Punks to the more sophisticated Chic, their tapes did the rounds of record companies and, in spite of the early opposition of Jerry Greenberg, the label's president, they eventually landed a deal with Atlantic Records in late 1977.In 1992, the group reformed, and Edwards was performing in Japan when he fell ill.